Several years ago I bought a few acres at an auction. There was an old barn on the property that was falling down. I wanted to build a metal garage to keep my tractor, implements, and mower in. When I started pricing nice metal buildings I decided to throw a few more dollars at it and build something with a small apartment in the top.

I like the carriage house concept so I ended up with this design. It’s a really neat design and it gets a lot of attention when folks pass by. There is about 1000 square feet of living space in the upstairs not counting the little crows nest at the top of the silo. There are two bedrooms, one bath, a decent size kitchen, and a very large living room. The crows nest will be a great place to disappear for a few hours with my guitar, a can of skoal, and a spit cup.

Although it’s “technically” finished (I have the Certificate of Occupancy), there’s still a lot I want and need to do to call it “finished”. So, in that sense, it’s a work in progress.

To me building your own house is top of the food chain stuff as far as bragging rights, second only to surviving a friggin plane crash in the Andes Mountains. I started in May 2010 and over three years later here I am. I had a little bit of help along the way. Bill H., Allen, and Earl, all experienced carpenters, helped me get it framed. I hired someone to do the siding. I had some help with the septic system from Landon. I guess about everything else you see I did. I did the electrical, plumbing, insulation, hardwood floors, tile, stairs, trim, painting, and I guess about everything else. I had no help to speak of on any of this. That’s why it took over three years to finish. Like Dizzy Dean once said, “it ain’t braggin’ if you can really do it”.

The experience of building this house is what led to my YouTube channel and now this website. I guess I had too much time alone! I have learned a lot along the way and I feel like I have much to share. Everything I share is coming from an ordinary guy with a few skills who has really done it. Tell me what you think about my house. I’d love to invite you over but in the meantime, let me give you a virtual tour.